Connecticut State Department of Public Health


  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
 (COPD)

                                                       COPD
Overview

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that includes two main conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The term COPD is used because many sufferers have both conditions.


COPD is characterized by damage to the lungs and airways, which reduces air flow in the lungs. Symptoms include heavy coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of COPD, though other lung irritants such as air pollution, chemical fumes and dust may also contribute.


Genetic factors can also contribute to COPD.

 

COPD in Connecticut:
  • In 2014, one in twenty Connecticut adults had been told they had COPD.

  • Adults in low-income households, earning less than $35,000 annually had almost twice the risk of those in households earning $35,000- $74,999 annually and nearly four times the risk of those in households earning at least $75,000.

  • Adults with disabilities had more than four times the risk of adults without disabilities.


Additional information on COPD in Connecticut is available here: 2014 CT COPD BRFSS Report

 

 

COPD Information and Resources:

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html

 

National Institutes of Health:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd

 

American Lung Association

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/

 

 

Quitting Tobacco Resources: click here